DVDBeaver Newsletter for the Week of October 11th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK
RELEASES include Criterion Bogie/Lupino Noir!, Val Lewton double
feature, Brian De Palma in 4K UHD, aging Casanova, Kolchak goes Blu, Rock vs.
Kirk plus Cooper/Lancaster - both by Aldrich, 70s exploitation horror with Joan
Collins, Fassbinder set by Arrow, Miserable Stephen King with scary Kathy Bates,
Bela as a demented scientist on a killing spree in London, Wes Craven introduces
a deadly friend, laughing Baskervilles Hounds, Connory/Baldwin submarine duel in
4K UHD, Tarantino-Pitt in 4K UHD, The Snake Girl and Silver-Haired Witch
surfaces in North America, a favorite Shyamalan goes 4H UHD...
THIS WEEK's
CALENDAR UPDATES - (repeated): Michael Powell + Emeric Pressburger in
4KUHD!, Philip Kaufman 'invasion' in 4K UHD, Josef von Sternberg, Rainer Werner
Fassbinder, James Cameron in 4K UHD, Karl Freund, J. Lee Thompson, Paul Thomas
Anderson, Kurt Neumann, Robert Siodmak, John Farrow, Rod Serling TV, Woody
Allen, John Huston, Vittorio Cottafavi, John Sturges, Lewis Milestone, and Santo
gets a boxset! ...
THIS WEEK'S
REVIEWS: some of the above plus, James Whale in 4K UHD!, Argentos' best
Giallo in 4K UHD!, Reiner horror in 4K UHD, fan-favorite pre-cursor to The
X-Files, unique Terence Young arthouse, romance and supernatural combo.... and
more.
Enjoy,
Gary
RELEASES the
WEEK of October 11th, 2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
**Carlito's Way
[4K UHD Blu-ray]** (Brian De Palma, 1993) Universal Pictures
US:
https://amzn.to/3hn3MCi
CAN: https://amzn.to/3oJ0U78
UK: https://amzn.to/3aqhoss
COMMENTS: A Puerto Rican former convict (Al Pacino), just released from prison,
pledges to stay away from drugs and violence despite the pressure around him and
lead on to a better life outside of N.Y.C. Directed by Brian De Palma.
______________________________
Benoît Jacquot's "Casanova,
Last Love" Blu-ray - Stacy Martin @CohenFilm @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2YumCkg
CAN: https://amzn.to/3uRSzip
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/benoit-jacquots-57126790
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/casanova_last_love_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Benoît Jacquot's Casanova, Last Love hasn't been critically embraced.
It's provocative, deliberately paced and certainly arthouse leaning. The
dialogue is curious, like the intentional image, giving away hints but little
else with the tone and moods carrying the film's heavy period appeal. Stacy
Martin really has a Jane Birkin thing going on - waif-like plainness with
seductive, communicative eyes. I could find quite a bit to appreciate about
Casanova, Last Love although its weaknesses may tip the balance for some
viewers. A commentary would have helped a lot. I'm now interested to see
Jacquot's Farewell, My Queen. The bare-bones Cohen Media Blu-ray provides a
1080P home theatre viewing experience for Casanova, Last Love that you'd
unlikely find elsewhere. Adventurous cinephiles should indulge.
______________________________
The Dark Eyes of
London [Blu-ray] (Walter Summers, 1939) RB UK Network
UK:
https://amzn.to/3hoFd7U
COMMENTS: The definitive British horror film and a worthy successor to his work
on the Universal Monsters movies, screen icon Bela Lugosi takes centre stage as
a demented scientist on a killing spree in The Dark Eyes of London – the first
British film to receive the H censor rating for being "Horrific for Public
Exhibition". Adapted from a novel by Edgar Wallace. A series of mysterious
drownings in the Thames set Scotland Yard on the ghoulish trail of one of
London's most sinister murderers!
______________________________
Deadly Friend
[Blu-ray] (Wes Craven, 1986) Shout! Factory
US:
https://amzn.to/3zdtIao
CAN: https://amzn.to/3iOkyuC
COMMENTS: A lonely teenage genius has two best friends: his remarkable robot and
a beautiful girl next door. When tragedy strikes them both, he desperately tries
to save them by pushing technology beyond its mortal limits into a terrifying
new realm. Like a modern-day Dr. Frankenstein, Paul discovers too late that he
has created a rampaging monster.
______________________________
**Raoul
Walsh's "High Sierra"** Blu-ray - Humphrey
Bogart / Ida Lupino @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/2XgngBI
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/raoul-walshs-blu-56145445
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_79/high_sierra_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Well, this is one of the best Blu-ray packages of the year - an
essential Noir, Bogie, Lupino, Walsh - stacked supplements including a second
disc with the director's Colorado Territory in HD! and a feature-length
documentary. There are interviews, a video essay, booklet, radio adaptation etc.
and, especially High Sierra looking (4K-restored) and sounding pristine. It
doesn't get much better for cinephiles and dark cinema enthusiasts. This has our
strongest recommendation. Don't hesitate!
______________________________
The Hound of the
Baskervilles (Paul Morrissey, 1978) Code Red
US:
https://amzn.to/3ghTF0Q
CAN: https://amzn.to/3mFQ0fJ
COMMENTS: Comedy legends Peter Cook (Bedazzled, The Bed Sitting Room) and Dudley
Moore (Arthur, Blame It on the Bellboy) star in this wonderfully irreverent
slant on Sherlock Holmes that keeps the wickedly witty gags coming, from
satirical start to fantastic finish! Exhausted by a recent case, Sherlock (Cook)
dispatches Watson (Moore) to Baskerville Hall to face a legendary demonic dog.
But while Watson scours the scary moors, Holmes is busy visiting his mum (who
calls him “Sherl”), interviewing the sole applicant for a “runner of errands” (a
one-legged man), and dropping in at a Victorian massage parlor. Will the case be
solved? Will the masseuse use salve? Only one thing’s certain: This rabidly
funny comedy is a howling good time! Cult filmmaker Paul Morrissey (Flesh for
Frankenstein, Blood for Dracula) co-wrote (with Cook and Moore) and directed
this outrageous spoof. The hilarious cast includes Denholm Elliott (Percy), Joan
Greenwood (The Man in the White Suit), Hugh Griffith (Kind Hearts and Coronets),
Irene Handl (The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes), Terry-Thomas (The Green Man),
Max Wall (Jabberwocky), Kenneth Williams (the Carry On films), Roy Kinnear (How
I Won the War) and Spike Milligan (The Last Remake of Beau Geste).
______________________________
**The Hunt for
Red October [4K UHD Blu-ray]** (John McTiernan, 1990) Paramount UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3z6OND3
COMMENTS: In November 1984, the Soviet Union's best submarine captain (Sean
Connery), in a new undetectable sub, violates orders and heads for the U.S. The
American CIA and military must quickly determine: Is he trying to defect, or to
start a war?
______________________________
**I Never Cry**
[Blu-ray] (Piotr Domalewski, 2020) RB UK Eureka
UK:
https://amzn.to/3y9ghXv
COMMENTS: Seventeen-year-old Ola (Zofia Stafiej) travels to Ireland to bring her
father’s body back to Poland after he died working on a construction site. But
never mind her dad, Ola wants to know if he saved money for the car he had
promised. In a foreign country all by herself, Ola will have the trip of her
lifetime, a journey into the unknown, on which she will try to reconnect with
her estranged father. In Ireland, she will come to know a different world and
meet people who will change her approach to life.
______________________________
Inglourious
Basterds [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Quentin Tarantino, 2009) Universal Pictures
US:
https://amzn.to/39dN8R7
CAN: https://amzn.to/3lr7UDu
UK: https://amzn.to/3mFQp1J
COMMENTS: Brad Pitt takes no prisoners in Quentin Tarantino's high-octane WWII
revenge fantasy Inglourious Basterds. As war rages in Europe, a Nazi-scalping
squad of American soldiers, known to their enemy as "The Basterds," is on a
daring mission to take down the leaders of the Third Reich.
______________________________
**"Kolchak:
The Night Stalker"** Blu-ray - Darren McGavin @Kinolorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2W6jsCw
CAN: https://amzn.to/3uRu6dj
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/kolchak-night-56988177
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/kolchak_the_night_stalker_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Kolchak: The Night Stalker was one of my favorite TV series when I was
growing up. Yes, it was an obvious influence on shows like The X-Files. Darren
McGavin was perfect in the role of feisty but diligent-truth-seeking reporter
Carl Kolchak battling the paranormal on a regular basis. The series
unfortunately ran out of supernatural combatants, plus modest budgets and
pumping these 50-minute episodes out weekly took its toll of the content. But
there are some marvelous and inventive episodes including Horror in the Heights
(Jimmy Sangster credited,) The Ripper (yes, Jack), The Zombie (Haitian voodoo
rituals ensue,) The Vampire (a vicious, sexy, female bloodsucker), The Werewolf
(on a luxury cruise! - Carl must steal the Captain's silver buttons to make
bullets!), The Spanish Moss Murders (precursor to the X-Files El Mundo Gira with
a chupacabra) and Demon in Lace (a modern-day succubus!). They were able to keep
the high quality of the television movies The Night Stalker (1972) and The Night
Strangler (1973) with a fabulously flawed protagonist character. Some of those
starring in episodes are recognizable faces like Keenan Wynn, Richard Kiel, Dick
Gautier, James Gregory, Phil Silvers, Tom Skerritt, William Smith, Julie Adams,
Cathy Lee Crosby, David Doyle, Nina Foch, Bernie Kopell, Dick Van Patten, Jamie
Farr, Larry Storch, Antonio Fargas, Erik Estrada, Scatman Crothers, Jim Backus,
Frank Campanella and others. As well as getting the series in 1080P, we get 21
commentaries, interviews and a liner notes booklet. The Kino Blu-ray was highly
anticipated by this reviewer. Supernatural adventures abound. Nostalgically, and
strongly, recommended!
______________________________
**Robert
Aldrich's "The Last Sunset"** Blu-ray - Kirk
Douglas / Rock Hudson @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3oEri1J
CAN: https://amzn.to/3BgJlP3
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/robert-aldrichs-57077864
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/the_last_sunset_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Dalton Trumbo's script of Robert Aldrich's The Last Sunset is brimming
with heavy mix of sexual tensions, revenge, spousal impotence, fatherhood,
potential incest, end-of-life acceptance - it was adapted from Howard Rigsby
novel "Sundown At Crazy Horse". There's a lot going on behind the cattle drive
with plenty of macho olde-west tropes and provocative dialogue; "That sister of
yours, Stribling, was just a free drink on the house and nobody went home
thirsty. I mean nobody!" The Kino Blu-ray is a humungous upgrade and the
commentary gives it impressive value. Strongly recommended!
______________________________
**Legend**
[Blu-ray] (Ridley Scott, 1985) Arrow
US:
https://amzn.to/3e4HbbQ
CAN: https://amzn.to/2YCS8g0
UK: https://amzn.to/3DvVXCy
COMMENTS: After changing the face of science fiction cinema forever with Alien
and Blade Runner, director Ridley Scott turned his visionary eye to the fantasy
genre, teaming with writer William Hjortsberg (Angel Heart) to create a
breathtaking cinematic fairytale with one of the screen's most astonishingly
rendered depictions of Evil. In an idyllic, sun-dappled forest, the pure-hearted
Jack (Tom Cruise) takes his true love Princess Lili (Mia Sara) to see a pair of
unicorns frolicking at the forest's edge. Little do they know, however, that the
Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry, in a remarkable make-up designed by The Thing's Rob
Bottin) has dispatched his minions to capture the unicorns and sever their horns
so that he may plunge the world into everlasting night. After Lili and the
unicorns are taken prisoner, Jack must team with a group of forest creatures and
descend into Darkness' subterranean lair to face off against the devilish
creature before it is too late. Despite a troubled production in which the
elaborate full-size forest set was accidentally incinerated and a lengthy
post-production that resulted in multiple versions of the film (with competing
music scores by Jerry Goldsmith and Tangerine Dream), Legend has since been
restored to Scott's original cut and embraced by generations of film fans eager
to see a master director's unique vision of a world beyond our imagination.
______________________________
**Rob
Reiner's "Misery" 4K UHD** - James Caan @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3z94bii
CAN: https://amzn.to/3lcDWmu
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/rob-reiners-4k-57071690
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/misery_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Kino's 4K UHD release of Rob Reiner's "Misery" is exceptional in terms
of the video upgrade. As we have a 'Blu-ray effect' that helped home theater
adopters bond with, and appreciate, a film more so in the higher resolution over
DVD - the same can be said for 4K UHD. "Misery" is less about the gore and more
the psychology, captivity and suspense. It's quite brilliantly crafted as a
claustrophobic horror incorporating the hazards of celebrity and minor camp and
gallows humor. While I don't count myself in the ranks of the films "No. 1 fan",
the legacy of "Misery" cements the rare talents of Rob Reiner (The Princess
Bride, This is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, Stand by Me) to make another
Hollywood big budget film that stands the test of time. With the effective
performances of Kathy Bates (winning the Oscar for her portraying Annie Wilkes -
Stephen King's favorite written character!), James Caan, Richard Farnsworth and,
too brief, Lauren Bacall, the thriller-horror "Misery" deserves its many
accolades. Kino's 4K UHD is strongly recommended!
______________________________
The Monster
[Blu-ray] (Peter Sasdy, 1975) RB UK Network
UK:
https://amzn.to/2YP5K7V
COMMENTS: Joan Collins gives an instantly memorable performance as a stripper
cursed by a dwarf to give birth to a demonic child in this classic '70s
exploitation horror directed by Hammer/Amicus veteran Peter Sasdy. Co-starring
Eileen Atkins, Ralph Bates, Donald Pleasence and Caroline Munro. There's
something wrong with Lucy and Gino's little boy... born with what seems to be
abnormal strength and an innate hatred of people, he appears to enjoy inflicting
injury on others. Doctors are baffled, but a nun is convinced that the baby is
possessed. Then events take such a murderous turn that few can afford to ignore
the nun's warnings!
______________________________
The Most
Beautiful Boy in the World [Blu-ray] (Kristina Lindström / Kristian
Petri, 2021) RB UK Dogwoof
UK:
https://amzn.to/382nq1d
COMMENTS: In 1970, filmmaker Luchino Visconti travelled throughout Europe
looking for the perfect boy to personify absolute beauty in his adaptation for
the screen of Thomas Mann's Death in Venice. In Stockholm, he discovered Björn
Andrésen, a shy 15-year-old teenager whom he brought to international fame
overnight and led to spend a short but intense part of his turbulent youth
between the Lido in Venice, London, the Cannes Film Festival and the so distant
Japan. Fifty years after the premiere of Death in Venice, Björn takes us on a
remarkable journey made of personal memories, cinema history, stardust and
tragic events in what could be Bjorn's last attempt for him to finally get his
life back on track.
______________________________
**Rainer Werner
Fassbinder Collection Volume 1** [Blu-ray] - Love is Colder Than Death
(1969) - Katzelmacher (1969) - The Merchant of Four Seasons (1971) - The Bitter
Tears of Petra von Kant (1972) - Tenderness of the Wolves (1973) Arrow UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3kbLa8S
COMMENTS: Rainer Werner Fassbinder, the enfant terrible of the New German
Cinema, wrote, directed, produced and starred in over 40 films in his short but
prolific life, before passing away of a drugs overdose in 1982 aged just 37.
Rainer Werner Fassbinder vol. 1 brings together a collection of his finest works
from the early years of his career in high definition digital restorations
prepared by the Rainer Werner Fassbinder Foundation.
______________________________
**
Noriaki Yuasa's "The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch"**
Blu-ray - Yachie Matsui @ArrowFilmsVideo
US:
https://amzn.to/3zDPILK
CAN: https://amzn.to/3ltG8X3
UK: https://amzn.to/3yyxwln
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/noriaki-yuasas-55673351
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_snake_girl_and_the_silver-haired_witch_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Noriaki Yuasa's The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch is not
really a children's film at all, although the innocent and good-natured daughter
is the brunt of much of the movie's terror. It has modest, but effective special
effects and a well-established, if odd, mystery playing upon a child's fears
(including adults.) It worked for me and I would NOT judge this as a comedy as
IMDb puts as one of the genres. The Kalat commentary really helped me appreciate
the film - ditto for the Davisson interview. The Arrow Blu-ray of The Snake Girl
and the Silver-Haired Witch is a fascinating viewing for cinephiles keen on the
Japanese culture and 60's horror from that country. Another great package from
Arrow with excellent supplements. Absolutely recommended!
______________________________
**Unbreakable
[4K UHD Blu-ray]** (M. Night Shyamalan, 2000) UK Walt Disney
UK:
https://amzn.to/39eaiH3
COMMENTS: After David Dunn (Bruce Willis) emerges from a horrific train crash as
the sole survivor - and without a single scratch on him - he meets a mysterious,
unsettling stranger (Samuel L. Jackson) who believes comic book heroes walk the
earth, and whose sinister, single-minded obsession will impact David’s life
forever.
______________________________
**Val Lewton
Double Feature** [Blu-ray] (Bedlam - 1946 / The Ghost Ship - 1943 )
Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3lfsNQP
COMMENTS: Nell Bowen, the protégé of Lord Mortimer, wants to help change the
conditions of notorious St. Mary's of Bethlehem Asylum (Bedlam). Though she
tries to reform Bedlam, but the cruel Master Sims who runs it has her committed
there, though ultimate, it's the lunatics who've taken over the asylum.
Tom Merriam signs on the
ship Altair as third officer under Captain Stone. At first things look good,
Stone sees Merriam as a younger version of himself and Merriam sees Stone as the
first adult to ever treat him as a friend. But after a couple strange deaths of
crew members, Merriam begins to think Stone is a psychopathic madman obsessed
with authority. He tries to tell others, but no one believes him, and it only
makes Stone angry..
______________________________
**Robert
Aldrich's "Vera Cruz"** Blu-ray - Gary Cooper
/ Burt Lancaster @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2YtAECp
CAN: https://amzn.to/3AnsrNz
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/robert-aldrichs-57121604
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/vera_cruz_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Vera Cruz is a very strong film that took bold steps outside the usual
western genre - thanks to Robert Aldrich. Both Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster
play off each other amazingly while interacting on screen. Plus there is
impressive support from Cesar Romero, George Macready, Jack Elam, Ernest
Borgnine. Ohhh - Yes, that's Charles Bronson! (listed as Charles Buchinsky)
playing the character 'Pittsburgh' in Vera Cruz. The Kino Blu-ray is a dramatic
upgrade in image and supplements from the 2011 MGM. It has the valuable Alex Cox
commentary and Vera Cruz evokes memories of important later westerns including
The Wild Bunch and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Fans of the leads and
genre are strongly encouraged to pick this up.
_______________________________
LATEST CALENDAR
UPDATES:
October 18th, 2021
**Mad Love**
(Karl Freund, 1935) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/39Biwcg
______________________________
October 25th, 2021
**Eye of the
Devil** (J. Lee Thompson, 1966) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3zI0dNc
**Hard EightV
(Paul Thomas Anderson, 1996) Imprint
https://amzn.to/3uqJEo9
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_133/hard_eight_blu-ray.htm
______________________________
November 1st, 2021
**The Mad
Doctor** (Tim Whelan, 1940) Kino Lorber
https://amzn.to/3m0zuGP
**Mystery of
Edwin Drood** (Stuart Walker, 1935) Kino Lorber
https://amzn.to/3ENizjH
**Secret of the
Blue Room** (Kurt Neumann, 1933) Kino Lorber
https://amzn.to/3ERTQe2
**The Spider
Woman Strikes Back** (Arthur Lubin, 1946) Kino
https://amzn.to/3m2J4sG
______________________________
November 15th, 2021
**The Accused**
(Jonathan Kaplan, 1988) Kino
https://amzn.to/3AO8wZa
**Among the
Living** (Stuart Heisler, 1941) Kino
https://amzn.to/2XRYCXJ
Breakheart Pass
(Tom Gries, 1975) Kino
https://amzn.to/2XP4GQS
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_62_/breakheart_pass_blu-ray.htm
Deported
(Robert Siodmak, 1950) Kino
https://amzn.to/3CRN0U7
**Night Has a
Thousand Eyes** (John Farrow, 1948) Kino
https://amzn.to/3zGxZlV
______________________________
November 22nd, 2021
**Invasion of
the Body Snatchers 4K UHD** (Philip Kaufman, 1978) Kino
https://amzn.to/2XPNLgW
**Night Gallery
Season 1** (Rod Serling, 1969) Kino
https://amzn.to/3i8rK4w
**The Woody
Allen Collection** (Bullets Over Broadway / Mighty Aphrodite / Everyone
Says I Love You / Celebrity / Small Time Crooks / The Curse of the Jade Scorpion
/ Hollywood Ending / Anything Else) Quiver Films
https://amzn.to/3ufGp2M
______________________________
November 29th, 2021
**Freud**
(John Huston, 1962) Kino
https://amzn.to/3AJvTDc
**To Hell and
Back** (Jesse Hibbs, 1955) Kino
https://amzn.to/3o8TY2J
**Jet Pilot**
(Josef von Sternberg, 1957) Kino
https://amzn.to/3oeyFwZ
______________________________
December 6th, 2021
**One Night in
Miami...** (Regina King, 2020) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3ufDLcZ
**The Rainer
Werner Fassbinder Collection Vol. 2** (Fear Eats The Soul, Effi Briest,
Fox And His Friends & Chinese Roulette, The Marriage Of Maria Braun) RB UK Arrow
https://amzn.to/3i8UBp4
**Terminator 2:
Judgment Day 4K UHD** (James Cameron, 1991) Studiocanal UK
https://amzn.to/3lUOyWq
______________________________
December 13th, 2021
**The Learning
Tree** (Gordon Parks, 1969) Criterion
https://amzn.to/2Y4CTMJ
**Messalina**
(Vittorio Cottafavi, 1960) Twilight Time
https://amzn.to/39FBe2A
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_138/messalina_blu-ray.htm
**The Red Shoes
4K UHD** (Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger, 1948) Criterion
https://amzn.to/39DMLPL
______________________________
January 18th, 2022
The Capture
(John Sturges, 1950) Film Detective
https://amzn.to/2XR6Sap
Santo: El
Enmascarado De Plata (Santo in the Wax Museum, Santo in the Treasure of
Dracula, Santo vs. The Riders of Terror, Santo in the Vengeance of the Mummy,
Santo vs. Frankenstein's Daughter, Santo and Blue Demon vs. Dracula and the
Wolfman, Santo and Blue Demon vs. Frankenstein, Santo and Mantequilla Napoles in
the Revenge of The Crying Woman) VCI
https://amzn.to/2ZsINYp
**A Walk in the
Sun** (Lewis Milestone, 1945) Kit Parker Films
https://amzn.to/3uqJ75D
____________________________
REVIEWS /
COMPARISONS:
**James
Whale's "Frankenstein" 4K UHD** - Boris Karloff
US:
https://amzn.to/3iMT74p
CAN: https://amzn.to/3oS0Jq2
UK: https://amzn.to/3amIIYn
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/james-whales-4k-57230284
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/frankenstein_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Universal's 4K UHD release of James Whale's Frankenstein is a
remarkable update over the 9-year old Blu-ray. This iconic pre-Code, science
fiction, horror film, based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The
Modern Prometheus, spawned numerous sequels including The Bride of Frankenstein,
Son of Frankenstein, The Ghost of Frankenstein, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man,
The House of Frankenstein, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Universal
Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection 4K UHD release amounts to a
must-own for new adopters. I'm so pleased to say it exceeded my expectations.
Yes, even 90-year old films can improve demonstratively in this 3840 X 2160
resolution. Our highest recommendation!
____________________________
**Dario
Argento's "Deep Red" 4K UHD** - David Hemmings @ArrowFilmsVideo
US:
https://amzn.to/3Dnha1C
UK: https://amzn.to/3oJedEA
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/dario-argentos-57211003
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/deep_red_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Arrow's magnificent 4K UHD release of Dario Argento's masterpiece
Giallo Deep Red is a must-own for new adopters and lovers of this addictive
genre. It can be quite graphic - lots of blood and gruesome murders. It's done
with such intentional style; precise editing, inventive camera angles, intense
scoring etc. that - even as an newly acquired taste - you can embrace its
cinematic beauty quite rapidly. Deep Red is actually a great starting pointing
for some to embrace Argento's Giallo work. I have watched it three times since
the 4K UHD package arrived. Our highest recommendation!
____________________________
**Terence
Young's "Corridor of Mirrors"** Blu-ray -
Edana Romney @CohenFilm @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3uUEDV3
CAN: https://amzn.to/3ByW8gc
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/terence-youngs-57201640
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/corridors_of_mirrors_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Terence Young's Corridor of Mirrors straddles arthouse, romance and
supernatural genres. It seems that quite a few critics dismissed it, but I
thought the mystery carried the film extremely well - skulking inside a darkly
lit Venetian style mansion filled with hidden curiosities of the past. Barbara
Mullen plays a lady of the house shrouded in her own secrets. Edana Romney is
just glowing with flirtatious bedroom eyes while seeking answers from cryptic
Eric Portman. Parts of Corridor of Mirrors reminded of of Pandora and the Flying
Dutchman. The, bare-bones, Cohen Media Blu-ray is certainly worthy of a spin or
more. I found it to be unique and intriguing cinema.
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Benoît Jacquot's "Casanova,
Last Love" Blu-ray - Stacy Martin @CohenFilm @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2YumCkg
CAN: https://amzn.to/3uRSzip
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/benoit-jacquots-57126790
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/casanova_last_love_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Benoît Jacquot's Casanova, Last Love hasn't been critically embraced.
It's provocative, deliberately paced and certainly arthouse leaning. The
dialogue is curious, like the intentional image, giving away hints but little
else with the tone and moods carrying the film's heavy period appeal. Stacy
Martin really has a Jane Birkin thing going on - waif-like plainness with
seductive, communicative eyes. I could find quite a bit to appreciate about
Casanova, Last Love although its weaknesses may tip the balance for some
viewers. A commentary would have helped a lot. I'm now interested to see
Jacquot's Farewell, My Queen. The bare-bones Cohen Media Blu-ray provides a
1080P home theatre viewing experience for Casanova, Last Love that you'd
unlikely find elsewhere. Adventurous cinephiles should indulge.
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**Robert
Aldrich's "Vera Cruz"** Blu-ray - Gary Cooper
/ Burt Lancaster @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2YtAECp
CAN: https://amzn.to/3AnsrNz
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/robert-aldrichs-57121604
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/vera_cruz_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Vera Cruz is a very strong film that took bold steps outside the usual
western genre - thanks to Robert Aldrich. Both Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster
play off each other amazingly while interacting on screen. Plus there is
impressive support from Cesar Romero, George Macready, Jack Elam, Ernest
Borgnine. Ohhh - Yes, that's Charles Bronson! (listed as Charles Buchinsky)
playing the character 'Pittsburgh' in Vera Cruz. The Kino Blu-ray is a dramatic
upgrade in image and supplements from the 2011 MGM. It has the valuable Alex Cox
commentary and Vera Cruz evokes memories of important later westerns including
The Wild Bunch and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Fans of the leads and
genre are strongly encouraged to pick this up.
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**Robert
Aldrich's "The Last Sunset"** Blu-ray - Kirk
Douglas / Rock Hudson @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3oEri1J
CAN: https://amzn.to/3BgJlP3
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/robert-aldrichs-57077864
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/the_last_sunset_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Dalton Trumbo's script of Robert Aldrich's The Last Sunset is brimming
with heavy mix of sexual tensions, revenge, spousal impotence, fatherhood,
potential incest, end-of-life acceptance - it was adapted from Howard Rigsby
novel "Sundown At Crazy Horse". There's a lot going on behind the cattle drive
with plenty of macho olde-west tropes and provocative dialogue; "That sister of
yours, Stribling, was just a free drink on the house and nobody went home
thirsty. I mean nobody!" The Kino Blu-ray is a humungous upgrade and the
commentary gives it impressive value. Strongly recommended!
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**Rob
Reiner's "Misery" 4K UHD** - James Caan @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3z94bii
CAN: https://amzn.to/3lcDWmu
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/rob-reiners-4k-57071690
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/misery_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Kino's 4K UHD release of Rob Reiner's "Misery" is exceptional in terms
of the video upgrade. As we have a 'Blu-ray effect' that helped home theater
adopters bond with, and appreciate, a film more so in the higher resolution over
DVD - the same can be said for 4K UHD. "Misery" is less about the gore and more
the psychology, captivity and suspense. It's quite brilliantly crafted as a
claustrophobic horror incorporating the hazards of celebrity and minor camp and
gallows humor. While I don't count myself in the ranks of the films "No. 1 fan",
the legacy of "Misery" cements the rare talents of Rob Reiner (The Princess
Bride, This is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, Stand by Me) to make another
Hollywood big budget film that stands the test of time. With the effective
performances of Kathy Bates (winning the Oscar for her portraying Annie Wilkes -
Stephen King's favorite written character!), James Caan, Richard Farnsworth and,
too brief, Lauren Bacall, the thriller-horror "Misery" deserves its many
accolades. Kino's 4K UHD is strongly recommended!
____________________________
**"Kolchak:
The Night Stalker"** Blu-ray - Darren McGavin @Kinolorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2W6jsCw
CAN: https://amzn.to/3uRu6dj
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/kolchak-night-56988177
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/kolchak_the_night_stalker_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Kolchak: The Night Stalker was one of my favorite TV series when I was
growing up. Yes, it was an obvious influence on shows like The X-Files. Darren
McGavin was perfect in the role of feisty but diligent-truth-seeking reporter
Carl Kolchak battling the paranormal on a regular basis. The series
unfortunately ran out of supernatural combatants, plus modest budgets and
pumping these 50-minute episodes out weekly took its toll of the content. But
there are some marvelous and inventive episodes including Horror in the Heights
(Jimmy Sangster credited,) The Ripper (yes, Jack), The Zombie (Haitian voodoo
rituals ensue,) The Vampire (a vicious, sexy, female bloodsucker), The Werewolf
(on a luxury cruise! - Carl must steal the Captain's silver buttons to make
bullets!), The Spanish Moss Murders (precursor to the X-Files El Mundo Gira with
a chupacabra) and Demon in Lace (a modern-day succubus!). They were able to keep
the high quality of the television movies The Night Stalker (1972) and The Night
Strangler (1973) with a fabulously flawed protagonist character. Some of those
starring in episodes are recognizable faces like Keenan Wynn, Richard Kiel, Dick
Gautier, James Gregory, Phil Silvers, Tom Skerritt, William Smith, Julie Adams,
Cathy Lee Crosby, David Doyle, Nina Foch, Bernie Kopell, Dick Van Patten, Jamie
Farr, Larry Storch, Antonio Fargas, Erik Estrada, Scatman Crothers, Jim Backus,
Frank Campanella and others. As well as getting the series in 1080P, we get 21
commentaries, interviews and a liner notes booklet. The Kino Blu-ray was highly
anticipated by this reviewer. Supernatural adventures abound. Nostalgically, and
strongly, recommended!
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http://www.dvdbeaver.com